Many have laid claim to the title of Japan's premier rock act but in truth only one band has a serious stake on that claim and that band is LOUDNESS. Formed in 1981 and armed with a powerful set of songs and a true fret board wizard in the Eddie Van Halen-ish abilities of guitarist Akira Takasaki, the band struck big in Japan quickly with the release of their debut album 'The Birthday Eve'. Here were real contenders from the land of the rising sun and the album sold surprisingly well as a high priced import in both Europe and America. The album's domestic sales and the live shows that accompanied the album's release were very encouraging and the band quickly made plans to get back into the studio to record their sophomore album 'Devil Soldier', of which there will be more to say later. 'The Birthday Eve' is released here on CD for the first time outside of Japan and it has never sounded so good.